A Cozy Chat About “Whose Toes Are Those?”
There’s something undeniably special about cuddling up with my little ones for storytime, especially after those long, chaotic days of chasing toddlers and mediating squabbles over toys. Recently, I stumbled upon “Whose Toes Are Those?” by Jabari Asim, and it quickly became a bedtime staple in our house. With its playful rhyme and vibrant illustrations, this book not only captivates my kids but relieves some of my afternoon stress as well.
“Whose Toes Are Those?” is a delightful celebration of a beautiful brown baby’s adorable little toes. The whimsical verse reads like a love letter to footsies everywhere, asking who might own such sweet little feet. It evokes the same giggle-inducing spirit as the classic game of “This Little Piggy.” As we turn the pages together, I can’t help but smile at how engaged my kids become with each line, their little fingers pointing and giggling with anticipation.
LeUyen Pham’s illustrations? Oh my goodness, they are a feast for the eyes! Full of rich colors and adorable features, the pictures reflect the joy of young children and touch on themes of diversity beautifully. I often find my kids staring wide-eyed at the illustrations, especially the spread that shows the little character beaming with joy. It has become our go-to page to spark discussions about colors and shapes, and each family member’s favorite toe—which I promised to tickle just like the characters. The laughter that erupts when we “count the toes” is music to my mom ears!
One sweet moment I cherish was when my 3-year-old, Amelia, exclaimed, “Those toes look like mine!” as she wriggled her own little feet in delight. It warmed my heart to see her recognizing a piece of herself in the characters, reinforcing her confidence and sense of belonging. With each reading, we find ourselves laughing out loud, tickling toes, and exploring the joyful connection between characters and reality.
Now, if I may share a favorite line, my kids nearly burst into laughter every time they hear us recount the character’s “10 little toes all in a row.” Establishing such simple connections leads to incredible moments of joy and interaction. My toddler even began imitating the character’s big smile, making every reading a mini-performance!
I wholeheartedly recommend “Whose Toes Are Those?” for children ages 1 to 3. It’s genuinely an enchanting book that resonates beautifully with little ones, especially those in blended families or families that might not always see themselves represented in literature. It’s not just a one-time read; it’s nestled right in the heart of our nightly routine and a favorite amongst my kids’ ever-growing library.
Reading this book has become a cherished bonding moment for us—a way to slow down after busy days, snuggle close, and celebrate the unique beauty of skin tones, all while playing a giggly game. It’s wonderful to add books like this to our home, sharing laughter and heartwarming messages with my children. Ultimately, it reminds me as a parent how excited I am to help my kids embrace their uniqueness, story by story.
